Under a settlement approved by a federal court on Wednesday, Minneapolis will also implement reforms in the way police handle protests, prohibiting them from using physical force and deploying chemical agents against peaceful protesters. .
The agreement requires body cameras worn by Minneapolis police officers to record and not be obstructed when they engage with protesters, according to court records.
“This agreement is a big step towards protecting peaceful protesters from police brutality. I hope other police departments across the country will see this result and proactively adopt these same policies and standards,” Jordan Meyer said. , one of the plaintiffs in the case, in a statement released by the Minnesota Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
The ACLU helped file the class action lawsuit against the city.
Demonstrations and, at times, violent riots erupted in Minneapolis hours after officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest for a counterfeit $20 bill on May 25. 2020. Chauvin was later convicted of murder and pleaded guilty to the federal charges.
Video of the incident circulating on social media has helped spark protests against police brutality and racism across the nation and in major cities around the world.
All 12 plaintiffs suffered injuries including bruising from less-lethal munitions, persistent respiratory problems from tear gas and psychological trauma, the ACLU said.
The Minneapolis City Council approved the bylaw Oct. 20 and Mayor Jacob Frey signed it six days later, local media reported.